IDF Spokesperson • January 6, 2026
IDF Response to the State Comptroller’s Report on Shelters and Protection in Local Authorities
The Home Front Command continuously works to strengthen the protection measures for the residents of the State of Israel, learning and improving in order to enhance the defense of the home front and maintain the resilience of the civilian population. As a general rule, the responsibility for protection lies with the property owner. The responsibility for inspection, maintenance, and enforcement of public shelters rests with the local authority, according to the Civil Defense Law. The Home Front Command does not have legal authority to deal with the maintenance of private shelters. The protection plan in each authority is subject to the decision of the local authority.
The Home Front Command has determined that assistance will be provided in the planning process to any authority that requests it. The Home Front Command assists local authorities that have decided to adopt the plan as part of their emergency operational concept through professional guidance and with the assistance of the relevant district in the Home Front Command. The Home Front Command conducts inspections of public shelters and updates local authorities with the inspection findings for the purpose of improving protection and complying with legal requirements.
IDF Response to the State Comptroller’s Report on Hospital Protection
The Home Front Command, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, has drawn conclusions and learned lessons during the war regarding hospital protection. Work is being done to amend legislation and regulations on the matter. The responsibility for establishing protection in a property lies with its owner. Therefore, the Home Front Command is not responsible for the protection of health institutions; its role pertains to approving protection plans before their implementation, as stipulated by the Civil Defense Law.
The Home Front Command disseminates specific defense policies for health institutions, which define several levels of conduct during an attack. In addition, the Home Front Command conducts training and drills as part of a systematic program in hospitals to practice reaching protected areas within the required time and saving lives.
IDF Response to the State Comptroller’s Report on the Education System’s Preparedness for Emergency Learning and its Operation during the Swords of Iron War
The Home Front Command is the authorized body to determine defense policy and issue life-saving instructions to the population during the declaration of a special home front situation or during an attack. This includes the authority of the Home Front Command to prohibit or restrict educational activities, in accordance with the current operational situation assessment, which is conducted periodically.
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